Management Systems Approach

To better understand what the ANSI/ASIS SPC.1-2009 Standard is about and why it is advisable to conform to the information contained therein, it is necessary to understand the management systems approach. A management system is a structured method of ensuring that procedures are aligned with policies and objectives for managing the organizational processes that are associated with the achievement of the organizational objectives. The organization establishes the policies, procedures, and objectives necessary to achieve the creation of a product (physical or intellectual) or service, and through the interrelated processes or activities of the organization, directs the achievement of those objectives. The expectation of continual improvement of the processes and practices is inherent in the management systems approach. The achievement of the organizational goals requires resources that are necessary for the system to function in addition to the resources that are needed to produce products and services. These resources must be viewed as part of the system. Successful organizations create value through the products and services they produce. The ORMS is a tool to support value creation and protect the activities and functions of the organization involved in this value proposition. The management systems approach has, as an underlying principle, the understanding that an organization has many parts and that they are all interrelated through process functionality and through the requirement for resources in the achievement of an objective. Modern organizations are more interrelated than ever before due to the complex

The management of the processes and the achievement of the organizational goals require the management of risk. Because risk may have both positive and negative outcomes, it is important to identify these risks and determine what, if anything should be done to ensure that the assessment and treatment of that risk is in line with the desires of the organization. ANSI/ASIS SPC.1-2009 uses a management systems approach to address risk with the intent to ensure the successful achievement of the organizational goals through risk management. Using the ANSI/ASIS SPC.1-2009 Standard ensures that the management systems approach will provide the organization with an opportunity to successfully address risk issues and provide confidence to organizational members, partners, stakeholders, and customers that the organization is capable of achieving the stated goals in a changing environment. The management system provides a sound basis for decision making to help the organization adapt, proactively and reactively, to drive sustainability and innovation. The feedback loops designed into a management system provide a structured approach for organizations to learn from adversity and make necessary changes to themselves and their environment.